GABRB3 Gene

GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult brain. GABRA3 is a candidate gene for autism.

GABA-A receptor, Beta-3 Polypeptide (GABRB3) maps to chromosomal region 15q11.2-q12 in humans. GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult brain. During neurotransmission GABA activates the GABA-A receptor on the postsynaptic neuron. When this happens, the GABA-A receptor changes shape – thereby opening a pore in the postsynaptic dendrite. This allows chloride ions, which carry an electric charge, to enter the dendrite. As a result, the charge in postsynaptic dendrite becomes more negative, which makes it more difficult to generate an action potential. This is one of the fundamental processes of learning. Because abnormalities in the levels of GABA have been found in individuals with autism, it is logical to examine whether polymorphisms in GABA receptor genes can contribute to the disorder. GABRA3 has become a candidate gene for autism, but findings have been somewhat mixed.

GABRB3, gaba, receptor, inhibitory, inhibition, neurotransmitter, candidate gene, autism

  • ID: 916
  • Source: DNALC.G2C

Related Content

908. Autism Candidate Genes

Use this chromosome map to explore genes associated with autism.

  • ID: 908
  • Source: G2C

1975. Autism

An overview of autism-related content on Genes to Cognition Online.

  • ID: 1975
  • Source: G2C

1439. Biochemicals - Excitation and Inhibition

Doctor Josh Dubnau explains that the genes active in different neurons can make them excitatory (e.g. glutamate) or inhibitory (e.g. GABA). These neurotransmitters are critical to learning.

  • ID: 1439
  • Source: G2C

2239. Language

An overview of language-related content on Genes to Cognition Online.

  • ID: 2239
  • Source: G2C

881. Hotspot for Autism Genes

Several lines of research are converging to show how opposing genetic pathways can lead to autism.

  • ID: 881
  • Source: G2C

471. Chromosome Map of Disorders and Processes

An interactive chromosome map of the genes and loci associated with cognitive processes and disorders.

  • ID: 471
  • Source: G2C

485. GABA Neurotransmitter

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a very common neurotransmitter in the Central Nervous System, whose primary function is to inhibit the transmission of a signal through a neuron.

  • ID: 485
  • Source: G2C

915. AVPR1A Gene

AVPR1A is a candidate gene for autism.

  • ID: 915
  • Source: G2C

1151. GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric Acid)

Professor Trevor Robbins describes the GABA (or GABAergic) system, whose main function in the brain is inhibition.

  • ID: 1151
  • Source: G2C

510. GRM3 Gene

Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor-3 (GRM3) is a candidate gene for schizophrenia.

  • ID: 510
  • Source: G2C